REFRACTION

OF
WAVES

What is refraction of waves ?

Refraction of waves is a change in its direction as the waves pass from one medium to another. It occurs when there is a difference in the
speed of the wave at the boundary of two mediums.

What happens to frequency , speed , wavelength and direction ?

Same frequency
Different speed
Different wavelength
Different direction of propagation
The relationship between v and λ of a water wave in deep water and shallow water :

V = fλ f is constant
v is directly proportional to λ
Characteristics Water waves passes Characteristics Water waves passes
from deep water to from shallow water to
shallow water deep water

Speed Decrease Speed Increase

Wavelength Decrease Wavelength Increase

Frequency Unchanged Frequency Unchanged

How does the direction of waves change when :

• Water passing from the deep region to the shallow region , the water wave is refracted toward the normal.

• Water passing from the shallow region to the deep region , the water wave is refracted away from the normal.